Time for service (again)

[cerbom]

I have a GMT and it was serviced about 10 years ago (if I remember correctly). This will now be sent for it s second service of it s life. The winding spring must have come loose as there is no tension when winding. So it s due anyway for a 20+ year old watch. It was never a daily worn watch. I was told 15 weeks due to holidays and centers closing for 2 weeks. Last time I told them not to polish. Do you think it s wise to let them clean it up a little this time? Other than that it was working fine and very clean.

[Tony1T]

If you're happy with it as is then just leave it.
I put a very small ding on one of the lugs of my Submariner and decided to leave it since it was on the case. If it had been on the strap I’d probably have a very sympathetic polish provided it was done at an RSC.

[brandrea]

I’m a no polish guy, but it’s really a very personal choice. My thinking is that a watch will get scratched up in no time anyway, so why not just leave it be

[77T]

If you mean to send it to RSC, and if there are no serious gouges that might cause them to go too far in one area or another, then you'll love the final product when they polish it after the full service.


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[CarlOver]

20 years…a polish might be nice.

[BNA/LION]

Light polish is really is nice...but light is key.

[NAUI1982]

Originally Posted by cerbom

I have a GMT and it was serviced about 10 years ago (if I remember correctly). This will now be sent for it s second service of it s life. The winding spring must have come loose as there is no tension when winding. So it s due anyway for a 20+ year old watch. It was never a daily worn watch. I was told 15 weeks due to holidays and centers closing for 2 weeks. Last time I told them not to polish. Do you think it s wise to let them clean it up a little this time? Other than that it was working fine and very clean.

What I’ve always appreciated about the RSC is they do tend to send in services summary and quote before proceeding, so you do get a chance to be specific about some of the optional services they’ll offer, like a polish. At least that’s been my experience when getting RSC service. My wife accidentally left her crown unscrewed and went swimming! Watch fogged up shortly after so we sent it in and the NY RSC was terrific, offering a polish and a new crystal because of scratches which. We declined the polish but did take the new crystal.

YMMV.

[1William]

It depends on the polish. If you like the looks of the watch then just leave it alone.

[Oxfordian]

Post a picture or two so that we can assess and comment, then you can ignore all of us and do your own thing.

I'm only up to 5 years of wear on my oldest Rolex and wouldn't have it polished if it had to be serviced tomorrow, I also wonder if after 20 years of wear whether those hard won battle scars should be removed.

A very difficult conundrum, nice to get a watch back with a bit of sparkle but equally those memories of how the scratches were made will be gone.

[asudarno]

My GMTII (3186) officially stop after 14yrs daily use! 3186 totally freeze, it’s either quality or they just want us to pay for their service + low quality parts. 3185 normal service oil change, back to normal. Nil part replacement. 3285 performance? Wait another 10yrs maybe. A little polish doesn’t do harm tbh

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by carlover

20 years…a polish might be nice.

+1.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by asudarno

My GMTII (3186) officially stop after 14yrs daily use! 3186 totally freeze, it’s either quality or they just want us to pay for their service + low quality parts. 3185 normal service oil change, back to normal. Nil part replacement. 3285 performance? Wait another 10yrs maybe. A little polish doesn’t do harm tbh

Probably an unpopular opinion, but this is far nicer than the 'new' black and gray version.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

Light polish is really is nice...but light is key.

x 2

[cerbom]

Turned it over to the AD already. They said I could decide in a few weeks when they call to authorize the work.


This is the watch which I may now just keep.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=932547

[Murphtimes]

It sounds like your GMT is due for some TLC! Since it’s been a while since its last service and it’s not a daily wearer, a light clean could be beneficial, especially if it’s been gathering any dust or grime over the years. Just make sure to specify that you want to keep the original finish intact if you decide to go for it. It’s great that you’re staying on top of the maintenance!

[cerbom]

Originally Posted by Murphtimes

It sounds like your GMT is due for some TLC! Since it’s been a while since its last service and it’s not a daily wearer, a light clean could be beneficial, especially if it’s been gathering any dust or grime over the years. Just make sure to specify that you want to keep the original finish intact if you decide to go for it. It’s great that you’re staying on top of the maintenance!

That s my current thought but what I specify and what they do is what concerns me." Extremely light polish" is what I may say.

[asudarno]

Just polish. They are professionals.

One perfect example from other thread
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=963174&page=2

[asudarno]

Originally Posted by OG1982

Probably an unpopular opinion, but this is far nicer than the 'new' black and gray version.

[NigeG]

Originally Posted by asudarno

Just polish. They are professionals.

One perfect example from other thread
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=963174&page=2

That’s my Sub in the thread

When I dropped it off at RSC Kings Hill in Kent (approx 50 miles south of London for our friends in the US) I asked for it not to be polished and discussed it with the Service Receptionist. She said they would do what I asked and it would be itemised as part of the service / repair quote.

When I decided to have it polished I wrote on the paperwork that it should be a very light refinish and, in block capitals, do not attempt to remove the dent around 2.00 on the top edge of the case.

They’ve done a really good job in my opinion. They have reduced the dent without destroying the symmetry of the case and the bevels are not massively oversized.

So in my case it’s all good. Hopefully they’re as good Stateside as they are here. In terms of timing - four weeks from acceptance to completion of work. Would have been less if I’d opted to not have it polished


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[cerbom]

Originally Posted by NigeG

That’s my Sub in the thread

When I dropped it off at RSC Kings Hill in Kent (approx 50 miles south of London for our friends in the US) I asked for it not to be polished and discussed it with the Service Receptionist. She said they would do what I asked and it would be itemised as part of the service / repair quote.

When I decided to have it polished I wrote on the paperwork that it should be a very light refinish and, in block capitals, do not attempt to remove the dent around 2.00 on the top edge of the case.

They’ve done a really good job in my opinion. They have reduced the dent without destroying the symmetry of the case and the bevels are not massively oversized.

So in my case it’s all good. Hopefully they’re as good Stateside as they are here. In terms of timing - four weeks from acceptance to completion of work. Would have been less if I’d opted to not have it polished


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I was quoted 15 plus weeks due to holidays. it s not my daily so I don t care.

[cerbom]

5 weeks passed and I got a call from the jeweler I dropped it off at. Est $850 for standard overhaul. Winder was inoperable when I dropped it off . Told them they can polish. Told him lightly but he was unreceptive to the designation . Est was another 5 weeks. If that s true than less time than quoted. Standing by...

[padi56]

Originally Posted by cerbom

I have a GMT and it was serviced about 10 years ago (if I remember correctly). This will now be sent for it s second service of it s life. The winding spring must have come loose as there is no tension when winding. So it s due anyway for a 20+ year old watch. It was never a daily worn watch. I was told 15 weeks due to holidays and centers closing for 2 weeks. Last time I told them not to polish. Do you think it s wise to let them clean it up a little this time? Other than that it was working fine and very clean.

There is nothing wrong with having a polish at normal routine service only,and at service mainsprings/crown tubes are always replaced as part of service.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by cerbom

Do you think it s wise to let them clean it up a little this time?

Depends on if you want it cleaned up. If you are worried about them shaving large chunks off, leave it. I would leave it unless it's significantly gouged or dented.

[cerbom]

Originally Posted by padi56

There is nothing wrong with having a polish at normal routine service only,and at service mainsprings/crown tubes are always replaced as part of service.

Thanks for clarifying the replacement of parts.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by cerbom

Thanks for clarifying the replacement of parts.

But remember that's when full service is done by any official RSC .

[cerbom]

Originally Posted by padi56

But remember that's when full service is done by any official RSC .

yup. that s what is happening.

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by OG1982

Probably an unpopular opinion, but this is far nicer than the 'new' black and gray version.

It isn’t. The old one looks better and costs less.


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[Robf52]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

Light polish is really is nice...but light is key.

This.

[kritameth]

Unless you run the service center good luck ascertaining the polish is actually “light”. If you choose to go the polish route, know you run the risk of them over-polishing. To be clear, I’m not saying they will, nor am I discouraging you or anyone, just as long as you understand what it is you’re agreeing to. Personally, I’m team no polishing for life, but I understand the appeal.

[samson66]

I'm definitely in the polish camp. I love the idea of the watch coming back to me looking brand new. And after 20 year, why not! But definitely a personal decision. Good luck.